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Padres manager Bud Black said Sunday that the club is not ruling out Brandon Maurer being a starter over the long-term.

"He's got the ability to start," Black said. "We're not ruling that out long-term." Maurer has a career 6.62 ERA as a starter and 3.75 ERA as a reliever, though it should be noted that he's just 24. While it's possible he could be a starter again at some point, he has the potential to be a dominant reliever. Mar 1 - 12:27 PM

Padres acquired RHP Brandon Maurer from the Mariners in exchange for OF Seth Smith.

General manager A.J. Preller said Tuesday that he's not sure yet whether Maurer will be used as a starter or reliever. Maurer has a career 6.62 ERA as a starter and 3.75 ERA (and 8.7 K/9 ratio) as a reliever, so it certainly appears at this point that his future is in the bullpen. While that's likely where he ends up, Maurer is just 24, so it's not a surprise San Diego isn't completely closing the door on him starting. Tue, Dec 30, 2014 06:58:00 PM

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Padres are interested in acquiring reliever Brandon Maurer from the Mariners in exchange for outfielder Seth Smith.

Maurer pitched 69-plus innings in 2014 and posted a 4.65 ERA and 1.335 WHIP. While those numbers aren't horribly impressive, it should be noted that Maurer was converted from starter to reliever mid-season and put up markedly better numbers coming out of the bullpen. In 37-plus relief innings, he had a 2.17 ERA and 0.964 WHIP, compared to a 7.52 ERA and 1.763 WHIP in 32-plus innings starting. Maurer averaged over 95 mph on his fastball and would probably be in the mix for a setup or closing role with the Padres, who currently have the aged Joaquin Benoit slotted in as their ninth-inning man. Tue, Dec 30, 2014 01:43:00 PM

Brandon Maurer has tossed 15 scoreless relief innings since being recalled on June 25, allowing just six hits while posting a 17/2 K/BB ratio.

Maurer held a 7.52 ERA while allowing 43 hits and 14 walks in 32 1/3 innings as a starter, but it appears that he's found a home in the bullpen. "I’m having fun," he said. "Earlier in the season, I wasn’t having fun." The 24-year-old has worked his way into a late-inning role and looks to be a key piece of the Mariners' bullpen down the stretch. "He has less to think about as a reliever," manager Lloyd McClendon suggested. "He just goes after guys. His stuff is plenty good enough. His stuff has never been an issue." Sun, Jul 27, 2014 11:30:00 AM

Josh Johnson (elbow) is scheduled to throw to a catcher on flat ground next week.

Johnson will long toss at 240 feet this week. The right-hander is on his way back from his second Tommy John procedure, done this past April. He's on track to return at some point in May, barring any setbacks. Johnson has struggled to stay healthy over his career, but will still be worth a flier in fantasy leagues when he's ready to come off the disabled list.

Cory Luebke (elbow) estimated Thursday that he's a month away from throwing off a mound.

Making his way back from a second Tommy John surgery, Luebke has gone through a long-toss program and is currently playing catch at 60 feet. He's set to begin the season in extended spring training. "But I'm hoping early part of the season to be facing hitters," he said. "I'm not naive enough to think -- I mean, it's been three years almost (since Luebke's first Tommy John surgery). There is a difference between getting healthy and competing."